Our top wellness retreats from around the globe
June 7, 2020
For some travellers being able to relax and have an indulgent spa area, a yoga pavilion, wellness package or fitness classes available is fundamental to their holiday. It can be as important as the facilities, the destination or the room booked. With a huge increase in demand for wellness holidays, restorative treatments and the ability to unwind properly, I wanted to showcase some properties that really stand out. From the wellness retreat; The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, to the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives, below you will find a selection of my favourite wellness retreats from around the globe organised alphabetically.
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Botswana:
The &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Delta is a perfect retreat for some in-house restoration in my opinion, it is without the expansive spa that some of the other options offer but just as restful. Located in the famous Okavango Delta area of Botswana, this 5* safari lodge focuses on being in the wilderness and switching off. Each of the suites has a private plunge pool and after refreshing in the comfort of their own suite, guests can book a massage treatment in the lodge’s massage Sala or enjoy one in-room and there is also a gym at this lodge.
Badrutt’s Palace, Switzerland:
Badrutt’s Palace is located in the exclusive Swiss resort of St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace has been long established as one of Switzerland’s finest hotels. The hotel has an impressive spa and guests staying here enjoy complimentary spa access. The Alps is the perfect restorative destination with beautifully clean mountain air it is a perfect location. An ever-evolving emphasis on wellness ensures that the best treatments and wellbeing tuition is available here. Recently remodelled, balance and harmony are at the core of the wellbeing concept here. Whether you are looking for a detox, self-healing, a weight loss inspired stay or long-term lifestyle changes that start here, guests can look forward to a healthier future full of wellbeing.
Belle Mont Farm, St. Kitts and Nevis:
On the tropical Caribbean island of St. Kitts is the Belle Mont Farm. A little different from your typical beachfront Caribbean setting, the Belle Mont Farm is located in the foothills of Mount Liamuiga amongst organic farmland. It truly is a beautiful and natural setting. A holiday here is about escaping it all and unwinding in these serene surroundings. The Belle Mont Farm is far from the nearest town and a haven of tranquility on the island, the scenery is breathtaking and the private cottages are wonderful. Guests can choose to connect with the locals, hike in the nearby hills, enjoy farm to table dining or book an in-room restoration treatment whilst staying in this world-class setting.
A market leader in the wellness holiday concept, The BodyHoliday has been running for over 20 years and it is still as special as when the idea was originally conceived. A stay at The BodyHoliday is about all-inclusive wellness based on the four pillars of wellbeing; relaxation, restorative beauty, exercise and diet. Each of these aspects is cared for deeply here. There are organic garden sourced ingredients used in the restaurants, scuba diving and sailing to experience, yoga and fitness classes alongside lessons on breathing, detoxing and de-stressing included. There is also a daily treatment or massage at the wellness centre. The BodyHoliday has a sleep programme, because as many know, starting to feel well starts with a good night’s sleep!
Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Greece:
In the beautiful Elounda area of Crete, Greece, this hotel forms an exclusive resort composed of the Elounda Mare, Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel and the Porto Elounda. The resort is set on the coast in blissful surroundings, with private beaches and discreet yet warm and friendly service. The Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel is the most exclusive of the three properties and more adult-focussed. When it comes to relaxing there is plenty of space however it is the Six Senses Spa that really sets this apart for a short-haul wellness holiday. The spa treatments can range from restorative massages to ease weary bodies to deeper experiences that focus on mindfulness, re-energising or the use of acupuncture to assist with ailments. The five hour Sense Of Love experience with a holistic massage, a champagne lunch and plenty of other things to enjoy is quite special.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives:
There are a number of excellent options from the Four Seasons group in the Maldives. The Landaa Giraavaru is my top rated of these for wellness and holistic experiences. The resort is located in the Baa Atoll and one of unadulterated 5* luxury. From the accommodation and amenities to the service and the setting. The sheer depth and variety of wellness treatments and knowledge at the resort is amazing. Dr. Subramanya is the director of the spa and Ayurvedic retreat and says that “Ayurveda is not about restriction but about collective knowledge of lifestyle modifications and herbal supplements that can help to cure ailments and support a healthy balanced life.”
Alongside anti-gravity and aqua yoga, guests can walk the yoga energy trail, experience reconnection rituals with family members, enjoy night spa rituals, or even immerse in a 14 or 21 day Ayurvedic detoxification. The island hosts visiting masters throughout the year who are experts in their respective fields as well as offers in-house physiotherapy, acupuncture and of course a full range of massage and beauty treatments.
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives:
Have you heard of a Watsu pool? If not then you will definitely be forgiven but this is an award-winning wellness experience pioneered by the One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives. A Watsu pool is a custom made pool where you float on your back as the expert therapists guide you into a series of shiatsu poses and stretches. It leads to a deeply meditative state which increases mobility and decreases stress.
There are of course a vast array of other therapies, treatments and experiences to discover in this tranquil Indian Ocean setting. Guests are welcomed to use the facilities which include a vitality pool, crystal steam room, sauna and signature hot and iced teas. A schedule of relaxation for the mind and body, guided meditation and yoga will ensure mindfulness is achieved. There are also, like at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, pioneering international specialists who visit the island as part of One&Only Reethi Rah’s Wellness Visiting Practitioner Programme.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Nassau:
On the tropical island of Nassau in the Bahamas is The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort. Just a walk through the grounds of this sensational property is enough for guests to start to unwind from their flight. The resort spans across 8 kilometres of pristine white sands, tropical gardens and Versaille influenced lawns.
There are complimentary yoga classes at 8:00am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, these are the perfect way to start a day in paradise. At the Balinese inspired spa there are a number of treatments on offer from the indulgent beauty treatments to restorative ones. A popular experience is the ‘detox’ which starts with a detox wrap packed with vitamins before a deep tissue massage. Local resources are utilised wonderfully with coconut poultice massages, sea lavender and samphire polish wraps as well as a Bahamas rhythm massage on offer.
Perhaps inspired by The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, Waves Hotel & Spa is another Caribbean property that does justice to the concept of wellness. Located on the beautiful golden coastline of Barbados, Waves Hotel & Spa is an all-inclusive hotel with an emphasis on wellness. The hotel includes activities for guests seeking exercise induced endorphins such as paddleboarding, waterskiing and snorkelling. There are also more serene yoga and pilates classes and group beach walks.
With the all-inclusive dining there are healthy dining options available to ensure that the needs of the body are met. At the bar options such as green tea infused cocktails are available as part of the ‘stay well’ concept at the hotel. For the creative mind there are adult colouring books available. The spa at Waves Hotel & Spa is well-known for providing incredible massage treatments as well as space to unwind in the sauna and steam room. Up to four spa treatments per guest per stay are included as part of the all-inclusive package, this depends on the room type and duration of stay booked.
Are you in search of a holiday where you disconnect and unwind? If you would like to relax in serene surroundings and experience restoration or perhaps enjoy the best spa and beauty treatments available do get in touch. We will be happy to start discussing your next wellness-focussed holiday.
